Overview:
Young athletes in Palau will have a chance to sharpen their baseball skills this weekend as visiting coaches from Hokkaido, Japan host a free clinic in Koror. The initiative aims to support grassroots development of the sport while deepening cultural ties between Palau and Japan.
By: Laurel Marewibuel
KOROR, Palau (April 9, 2026) — Baseball coaches from Hokkaido, Japan, will host a free clinic in Palau on April 11, offering players of all ages an opportunity to develop their skills and learn from experienced instructors.
The clinic is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Nippon Asahi Baseball Field. Organisers said participants are encouraged to bring a glove, hat, shoes, and a water bottle.
The event aims to promote baseball development in Palau while strengthening cultural and educational ties between Palau and Japan.
In a statement, the Embassy of Japan expressed support for the initiative, highlighting both athletic and cultural goals. “I hope this clinic will strengthen the foundation of baseball in Palau by giving young athletes the skills and inspiration they need as they begin or continue to play iakiu,” the embassy said. “I also hope it will strengthen the friendship between Japan and Palau while encouraging more young Palauans to learn about the history of iakiu and the opportunities for exchange.”
Organizers described the clinic as part of ongoing efforts to expand access to sports training and foster international collaboration through youth engagement.